Refer to the import health standard or standards

Biosecurity requirements are detailed in documents called import health standards (IHS). The IHS for soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay and water has details of what you need to do to successfully import your product. For samples imported to isolate microorganisms, you should also refer to the IHS for microorganisms.

How to use the IHS document

Read the IHS for soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay and water thoroughly to make sure you can comply with all the requirements.

Part 1 details the types of products covered by the IHS, general entry requirements for soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay and water, and required documents.

Part 2 breaks down entry requirements by product type and end use, including required documents and treatment.

Appendix 1 has IHS definitions.

Check whether your soil, rock or water needs treatment

Soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay and water may carry contaminants like weed seeds or unwanted organisms. Your product may need to be treated and inspected to make sure it is free of contaminants. Check Part 2 of the IHS to find out what you have to do.

Importing your product under equivalent measures (equivalence)

If your product doesn't meet all of the IHS requirements (for example, if it has been treated using a different method from that listed in the IHS), you can ask MPI to assess your product under equivalent measures. This is known as 'equivalence'.

You'll need to supply information to show how the risks managed by the IHS will be managed to an equivalent level (for example, by providing information about treatment and processing).

Products containing microorganisms

You can only import products containing microorganisms if those microorganisms don't pose a biosecurity risk.

Before applying for an import permit, check that the microorganisms in your product can be imported by:

searching the Unwanted Organisms Register to make sure the microorganisms are not listed. If it is listed, you can't import the product

searching the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) applications register to check if the microorganisms are already in New Zealand and to get an HSNO code. If the microorganism isn't listed, email the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for advice – neworganisms@epa.govt.nz

checking whether the microorganism is regulated by searching the Biosecurity Organisms Register for Importing Commodities (BORIC). If they're not listed, email plantimports@mpi.govt.nz for advice.

Engage a customs broker, agent or freight forwarder (recommended)

A New Zealand broker, agent or freight forwarder will help you with the arrival part of the process, such as making sure you have all the required documentation, and booking inspections of your consignment. Only registered customs brokers or qualified importers can access some New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) information.

Customs brokers and freight forwarders are usually listed in New Zealand business directories under those headings. Or you can check with the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation for a list of its members.

Apply for an import permit

You'll need to apply for a permit to import from MPI if you're importing:

research samples for isolation of microorganisms

more than 100 litres of water

more than 10kg of soil

products that have been approved by the chief technical officer for treatment or disposal under equivalence measures.

The type of permit you need depends on what you're importing.

To import research samples for isolation of microorganisms, complete the Application for permit to import biological products, microorganisms and cell cultures. You will need to include the HSNO application or approval code from the EPA.

Arrange transitional storage, if needed

MPI approves transitional facilities to hold and manage imported goods that might have a biosecurity risk. These products may need to be inspected or treated at a transitional facility before they can be cleared by MPI.

You or your customs broker may need to arrange for the transfer of your goods to a transitional facility before they arrive in New Zealand.

Comply with packaging and labelling requirements

Your products must be packaged securely to prevent leakage. Each package in your consignment must be clearly labelled on the outside, with a full description of its contents.

Consider applying for a BACC in advance

If your consignment is unaccompanied, we recommend you or your agent applies for a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC) before it arrives in New Zealand. A BACC can be issued at the border but if you apply while your consignment is in transit, it can speed up border clearance.

Your BACC will confirm clearance

After you have completed all the relevant tasks for your product in Step 2, you'll be issued with a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC), confirming the consignment has been given a biosecurity clearance.